meet the President

Yesterday was such a fantastic day. The first part of the morning we headed over to the Spy Museum. What a fun museum. The kids definitely thought this was the best. After that museum, we had time to tour Fords Theater. While in Washington D.C. we had to see the place where Lincoln was shot. Kids thought it was sooo interesting.
Later that day all 50 families met at 1pm for our tour of the White House and the meet and greet with the President. Security took a long time with all the families but once we got in the White House we toured all the rooms on one floor. We took so many pictures. The red room, the blue room, the green room the dining room. WOW so fun! Then at 3pm all the kids sat on steps and waited for their chance to see Pres. Obama. While the kids waited, David Archuleta was there to meet the kids and sing a song. Carson and Cassidy were so excited about David. Not that we really watch American Idol but what kid doesn't love David Arch. Right at 3pm in walks Pres. Obama. He was sooo great with the kids. He allowed the kids to ask questions and he had so many great answers. He was so patient with the kids. The kids had a group photo with the President and then he walked all around shaking all of the Champion kids hands. WOW Carson said "Mom it almost didn't seem real to me while it was happening". So exciting. Then the President came over to the parents side and starting shaking all of our hands. I can't believe I shook Pres. Obama's hand. One of the greatest days of our lives. I tell you this is an experience that will be tough to top in our lives.
At about 4pm we all boarded the bus again and headed over to see the Washington Nationals baseball game. Before the game, we had an End of D.C. party for the kids. Hot dogs, Hamburgers, chips and sodas. All of the children got up and stage for an award and picture. Then we all went as a group to watch the baseball game. My kids were thrilled because David Archuleta was sitting right behind us. I am not sure how much of the game they saw because they were looking behind most of the time. Pete and I had a great time at the baseball game. Plus it was so fun to be there with all of the families.
It is kind of sad because the trip is over and we really just starting getting to know all of these families. The kids just starting making friends and now they had to leave. But what is so wonderful is that they will all be back in November. All the families will meet up again at Walt Disney World. YEAH!!! We are excited because we will be the host family!!
I have to say it was such a wonderful experience. We are so proud to be the Champion Family from the Sunshine State. We are so grateful to Walmart and Sams for our trip. Also a huge thanks to Delta Airlines. They were so great with all the families.

Day 2

First thing this morning we all headed over to Capitol Hill for individual and group pictures. Then we headed in for a luncheon with many of the states Senators. We ended up meeting with Senator Bill Nelson. It was so great that he took time to meet with us and listen. It was very exciting to get to see all of the Senators. Carson and I did a quick interview for WESH news. He is finally starting to feel a little more comfortable on the interviews.
After the meetings, we had free time to do what we wanted. We decided to get the Metro and head over to see the Pentagon and Arlington National Cementary. What a site. It has really been fun to finally get to see all of these landmarks. We also made time today to go to the Museum of American History. I just wish we had a few more days here because there is just so many sites to see. Tonight was a pool party for the Champion kids at the hotel. The kids had a blast just letting loose with all the other kids. This trip has really been a great experience.
Looking forward to the White House Tour tomorrow.

First Full Day

Here we are in Washington D.C. Our flight was great. When we got off the plane in D.C. there were so many people there cheering and greeting us. Also a bunch of camera crews. We are staying at the JW Marriott which is 3 blocks from the White House. Once we got checked in we took a walk around the back of the White House and checked out the Washington Monument. We ended up eating dinner at a place called the Old Ebbitt Grill which they say is a place where all the political people eat.

Monday started out early. We all met at the lobby and then headed down to the ESPN Zone for breakfast and hours of playing fun. The kids went from one arcade game to the next. They all had so much fun. It was a great time for us the get to know a lot of the other Champion Families. The families are all so nice. We also met Miss America and country singer Mark Wills.

After the ESPN Zone, we all boarded a bus and took a tour around the sites. We ended up stoping at the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial and Korean Memorial. What wonderful sites that we were so excited to see. Once we finished the bus tour we were on our own to visit any museum we wanted. Our family started with the Air and Space Museum and then headed to the Museum of Natural History. There are so many great things here to see.
I think it will be an early night for us tonight. We are all beat from all the walking and site seeing.

Carson has said this is one of the best trips he has every been on. He is loving everything. I am so excited because I have always wanted to visit Washington D.C.

Today is the day!

We are so excited. Today is the day we leave for Washington D.C. We are so greatful for Walmart and Children's Mircle Network to let us share our story and all the help they bring to the community.

We will continue to post pictures of our visit to our Nations Capital.